This season has been filled with highs and lows for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht. Like most first-year players, Knecht has experienced a rollercoaster ride, transitioning from a reserve role to a starter, and even out of the rotation at different points.

Then, at the trade deadline, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, only for the deal to be canceled just before he was set to play for his new team. Knecht returned to the Lakers, which must have been a bit awkward, but he did manage to play in one final game before the All-Star Weekend. He also participated in the Castrol Rising Stars event, where his team triumphed and advanced to play in the All-Star Game on Sunday.

Despite the ups and downs, Knecht has had the chance to learn from some of the league’s best players and has been soaking up valuable advice. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Knecht shared that the best advice he received this year came from former teammate D’Angelo Russell:

“D-Lo, he gave me the best advice. Right after a game, just move on. Don’t care about how you did. Just move on because you got the next game coming towards you. No matter how high or how low that game was, you got to move on and be ready to play the next one and get better.”

Although the Lakers traded Russell in the deal that brought in Dorian Finney-Smith, Russell’s wisdom has still had a lasting impact on Knecht. This approach is also a philosophy LeBron James emphasizes—remaining level-headed, regardless of the outcome of each game, as there’s always another one ahead.

Knecht has faced plenty of challenges during his rookie season, but embracing Russell’s advice will be crucial as he aims to contribute to the Lakers’ playoff aspirations in the final stretch of the season.

Dalton Knecht Eager to Learn from Teammate Luka Dončić

The canceled trade has allowed Dalton Knecht to return to the Lakers, and now the rookie is eager to learn from his new teammate, Luka Dončić.

Knecht expressed his happiness at being back with the Lakers and his excitement about the opportunity to work alongside Dončić. He also mentioned how fortunate he feels to have already learned from veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and now Dončić, early in his NBA journey.